AFCON 2024: Peseiro Admits Defeat To Cote d’Ivoire, Applauds Players

AFCON 2024: Peseiro Admits Defeat To Cote d’Ivoire, Applauds Players

Jose Peseiro, the head coach of the Super Eagles, acknowledged that his team did not perform at their peak in Sunday’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire…READ MORE

Peseiro’s squad suffered a 2-1 defeat to the hosts in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead with a header from a corner-kick in the 37th minute.

However, Cote d’Ivoire mounted a comeback after the break, securing goals through Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller.

Peseiro admitted in his post-match remarks that his players fell short of replicating their previous performances in the tournament.

“In this game, my players gave their all, but Cote d’Ivoire outperformed us. We didn’t showcase our true capabilities,” Peseiro stated during his media interaction after the match.

“Both individually and collectively, our performance was below par.

“Cote d’Ivoire displayed superior play. They executed their tactics excellently. While we aimed for victory, unfortunately, we fell short.

“I feel disheartened, as do my players. Our performance fell short, but I cannot fault their effort. They exerted themselves throughout the tournament.

“In football, such outcomes are inevitable. Sometimes, luck isn’t on your side.”